Chefs For Equality Is Back & Everywhere All At Once

The region’s starriest celebration of food × LGBTQ+ equality returns Monday, October 27, 2025—and this year it’s reimagined. Instead of one giant gala, Chefs for Equality (CFE) is going intimate with five exclusive collaborative dinners (60–80 guests each) hosted by top chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs from across the DMV. Expect bold flavors, powerful storytelling, and spaces designed to spark conversation. Each evening kicks off with a 5:30 PM cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course paired dinner and special guest appearances.

The Lineup:

CUT by Wolfgang Puck — Host Chef Wolfgang Puck with Andrew Ho & Ligia Barros (CUT), Amy Brandwein (Centrolina), Harley Peet (Bas Rouge), Bryan Voltaggio (Wye Oak Tavern)
Moon Rabbit — Host Chefs Kevin Tien & Susan Bae with Rob Rubba (Oyster Oyster), Ryan Ratino (Bresca, Jônt), Ellin Yin (a.kitchen+bar), Satang Ruangsangwatana & Prapavadee Limvatana (Six Ways to Sunday), Seng Luangrath (Baan Mae), Paolo Dungca (Kaya)
The Duck & The Peach — Host Chefs Katarina Petonito & Rochelle Cooper with Johanna Hellrigl (Ama), Matt Adler (Caruso’s Grocery), Carlos Delgado (Causa), Jova Urriolla (Colada Shop), Mike Friedman & Robert Cain (Red Hen), Simon Lam (Tiger Fork), Ria Montes (Fish Shop Bar & Restaurant), Kareem Queeman(Mr. Bake)
Acqua Bistecca — Host Chef Colin Clark with Tatiana Mora & Miguel Guerra (MITA), Ruben Garcia (Casa Teresa), Tony Chittum (Iron Gate, Vermillion), Matt Conroy & Isabel Coss (Pascual), Scott Drewno (Fried Rice Collective)
Perry’s — Host Chef Masako Morishita with Audrey Angeles (Forst & Flourish) and David Guas (Neutral Ground)

Tickets are on sale now at chefsforequality.org for all five dinner experiences. An online auction runs October 20–27 with one-of-a-kind culinary packages and experiences. From October 27–November 2, participating restaurants and bars across the DMV will feature specials and donate a portion of sales to the HRC Foundation. For the full list of auction items and participating venues, visit chefsforequality.org.

Now in its 13th year, CFE is one of the country’s most powerful intersections of food and activism, bringing together culinary luminaries, drag performers, and advocates to raise funds and awareness for LGBTQ+ rights. HRC plans a return to the traditional gala format in Fall 2026. For more information, please visit chefsforequality.org